7 Comments
Jul 2·edited Jul 5Liked by Jay Michaelson

Good idea about just "doing something, anything." Here's a quote from some soldiers in Ukraine: "We are not optimists or pessimists. We are just doing our job. We are doing what we can. It is like a story from Auschwitz. The first to give up were the optimists and then the pessimists. But only the guys who did something survived."

I planted collards today.

One thing I have noticed about times when everything seems to be spinning out of control: I start thinking more about little bouts of retail therapy. I obsess about sunscreen and even want to go to a Sephora store! I greatly look forward to buying some great parmesan. STuff like that. Am I the only one? I know it's kind of silly but it does make me feel better to buy some little luxury like that.

Some friends who live in France were commiserating with me about the terrible Biden performance on Thursday night. They were at a hardware store in rural France. My friend said, "If we buy something, we'll feel better." LOL.

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This is so helpful to me and I would like to share your serenity prayer in your name.

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Jul 3Liked by Jay Michaelson

Thank you. Both calming and a call to action. Both so needed.

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Jul 3Liked by Jay Michaelson

Amen. I comforted a new friend today as she grieves the loss of her love. Reminded me that little things down with love are so important. (To paraphrase mother Teresa.). Thank you Jay. And as Ann Lamont writes, take good care of the patient. That’s you and me.

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Your reflections on embracing difficult emotions and finding ways to use them for growth really hit home. It's refreshing to read a piece that doesn't sugarcoat the reality we're facing, yet offers such practical advice on how to navigate these challenging times. The idea of turning the "shittiness" into fertilizer for wisdom and action is a powerful reminder that we can still find strength in the midst of uncertainty. Your serenity prayer at the end is truly grounding. I appreciate your perspective and the thoughtful way you share it.

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Thank you - and love your screenname!

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Thank you, Jay. This is the best wisdom.

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